Cost awareness clips their wings

IN view of all the embarrassing revelations about the political elite's travel habits in the past, the notion that government ministers are now afraid to venture abroad for fear of being called upon to account for their spending would be laughable were it not so pathetic.

IN view of all the embarrassing revelations about the political elite's travel habits in the past, the notion that government ministers are now afraid to venture abroad for fear of being called upon to account for their spending would be laughable were it not so pathetic.

A minister who feels he cannot justify the expense of a trip taken on national business must have little confidence in himself or his mission.

The secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs has pointed out, quite rightly, that ministerial travel is important for the country's image.

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